While the season is in full swing, AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) is struggling to stay in Ligue 1. The objective is clear: to avoid a return to Ligue 2, barely a year after the comeback. If the task promises to be difficult, several elements allow Greens supporters to hope for a happy outcome. Between a two-speed Ligue 1, the youth of the squad, a promising winter transfer window and a peaceful climate around the club, ASSE has solid arguments to believe in maintaining.
A two-speed Ligue 1
This season, Ligue 1 offers a contrasting face. At the top of the table, the big names impose their pace, while at the bottom, several teams struggle to collect points. With an unusually low average points per game for teams in the red zone, the continuation could be played out at a total of less than 34 points, or barely one point per game.
In this context, ASSE remains in the race. If the Saint-Etienne club is going through turbulence, it is not isolated in this fight for maintenance. Other groups, such as Montpellier, Le Havre or Angers, display similar difficulties, leaving the door open for a recovery on the part of the Greens.
A young and promising ASSE
One of the main assets of ASSE lies in the youth of its workforce. Many players are discovering the demands of Ligue 1 this season, but this is not just a handicap, it represents an opportunity for progression.
This team, still far from its ceiling, is showing encouraging signs of development. Talents like Zuriko Davitashvili or Benjamin Bouchouari, although sometimes irregular, have certain potential. With more experience and confidence, they could become decisive elements in the quest to maintain.
The technical staff, led by Olivier Dall'Oglio, will have to play a key role in this rise in power. By offering them a stable working environment and appropriate support, these young players can still do much better. Like Lucas Stassin who remains in training, looking for his first goal in Ligue 1.
A winter transfer window as a lever
The winter transfer window will be a crucial moment for ASSE. Unlike clubs like Le Havre or Montpellier, whose finances limit ambitions, Saint-Etienne leaders have room to maneuver to strengthen the squad.
ASSE intends to be active in this adjustment market. Targeted reinforcements, particularly in key sectors such as defense and attack, could allow the Greens to fill their gaps. Furthermore, while certain competitors risk losing important elements, Saint-Étienne finds itself in a favorable position to take advantage of these imbalances. This ability to strengthen oneself could make the difference in a fight where every detail counts.
Confidence in Olivier Dall'Oglio
Despite disappointing results, ASSE leaders maintain their confidence in Olivier Dall'Oglio for the moment. This choice of continuity demonstrates a desire to avoid hasty decisions which can be fatal in this type of situation.
However, the club retains the leverage to change coach if circumstances require it. This card, although in reserve, offers a last resort solution in the event of a prolonged crisis. For now, Dall'Oglio remains in place, a sign of a (finally?) peaceful and thoughtful climate within the club.
A calm climate and an audience behind the team
One of the turning points of this season could well be the peaceful climate which reigns around ASSE. Since the takeover of the club, the opposition between supporters and managers, which has often undermined the atmosphere in the past, seems to have disappeared.
After the humiliation suffered in Nice (8-0), a significant episode, the supporters expressed their discontent without going overboard. Firm but respectful exchanges with the players followed, testifying to a sacred union to meet the challenge of maintaining.
In this context, the Geoffroy-Guichard stands play an essential role. With three victories in five home matches, ASSE shows that it can count on the unwavering support of its public. The “Cauldron” remains a major asset in this fight, but it will also be necessary to improve performances away from home, where the team has still not won a single match.
Total mobilization for the maintenance of ASSE
The path to maintaining will be strewn with pitfalls, but ASSE has many assets to meet this challenge. Between a Ligue 1 accessible at the bottom of the table, a promising squad, a transfer window which promises to be active and popular fervor intact, there is no shortage of reasons to hope.
The Greens will, however, have to show consistency and progress away from Geoffroy-Guichard to maximize their chances. The sacred union between players, staff, managers and supporters could well make the difference in this fierce fight.
Saint-Étienne, with its history and passion, has repeatedly proven its ability to surpass itself. There are still many matches to play, and nothing is decided. One thing is certain: the Greens and their public will not give up.
